Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

What should I do immediately after a car accident in Mississippi?

Accepted Answer

First, make sure everyone is safe and call 911 if anyone is injured. Stay at the scene — leaving can create legal problems. Get a copy of the police report number. Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver. Take photographs of the vehicles, the road, any visible injuries, and the surrounding area. Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company — including your own — before speaking with an attorney. Seek medical attention promptly, even if you feel fine; some injuries are not immediately apparent. Then contact us for a free case evaluation.

Question 2

How soon after an accident should I contact an attorney?

Accepted Answer

As soon as possible. Evidence disappears quickly — surveillance footage is overwritten, skid marks fade, witnesses become harder to locate, and vehicles are repaired or totaled. Insurance companies begin building their defense immediately. The sooner we are involved, the better positioned we are to preserve evidence and protect your rights. There is no cost to call, and the initial consultation is free.

Question 3

What is the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Mississippi?

Accepted Answer

In Mississippi, most personal injury claims must be filed within three years of the date of injury. However, there are important exceptions. Claims against a governmental entity under the Mississippi Tort Claims Act require written notice within one year of the injury — and that notice must meet specific requirements. Claims involving minors have different rules. If you wait too long, you may lose the right to pursue your claim entirely. Do not assume you have time to spare — contact us promptly.

Question 4

Do I have a case if the accident was partly my fault?

Accepted Answer

Possibly. Mississippi follows a pure comparative fault rule, which means your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault — but you are not automatically barred from recovering just because you were partially at fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you could recover $80,000. Insurance companies often try to inflate the plaintiff's share of fault to reduce what they owe. Having an attorney evaluate the facts and push back on unfair fault allocations can make a significant difference in the outcome.

Question 5

How does the personal injury claims process work?

Accepted Answer

Most cases follow a similar path: (1) We investigate the accident, gather evidence, and document your injuries and damages. (2) You complete your medical treatment, or reach maximum medical improvement. (3) We prepare a demand package and submit it to the at-fault party's insurer. (4) We negotiate. Many cases resolve at this stage. (5) If the insurer does not offer a fair settlement, we file suit and litigate. Cases that go to litigation can take longer, but sometimes that is what it takes to get a fair result. We keep you informed at every step.

Question 6

Will my case go to trial?

Accepted Answer

Most personal injury cases settle before trial. However, the firm prepares every case as if it will go to trial — because insurers know whether an attorney is willing to litigate, and that affects how they negotiate. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to a jury. We will discuss the realistic options with you at each stage and give you our honest assessment.

Question 7

How long will my case take?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the complexity of the case, the severity of your injuries, and whether the insurer negotiates in good faith. Cases that settle before litigation can resolve in a few months to a year. Cases that go to trial can take two to three years or longer. We will give you a realistic timeline based on the specific facts of your case. One important note: we generally recommend waiting until you have reached maximum medical improvement before settling, so that the full extent of your damages is known.

Question 8

What damages can I recover in a personal injury case?

Accepted Answer

In Mississippi, recoverable damages in a personal injury case typically include: medical expenses (past and future), lost wages and loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and property damage. In cases involving egregious conduct, punitive damages may also be available. The specific damages available depend on the facts of your case. We will evaluate what you are entitled to and pursue the full measure of your losses.

Question 9

How does the contingency fee arrangement work?

Accepted Answer

The firm handles personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney's fees unless we recover money for you. If we do recover, our fee is a percentage of the recovery. The specific percentage depends on the nature and stage of the case and will be clearly explained in your fee agreement before we begin. You will never receive a bill for attorney's fees regardless of the outcome — if there is no recovery, there is no fee.

Question 10

Are there any upfront costs?

Accepted Answer

No upfront attorney's fees. Case expenses — such as filing fees, expert witness fees, medical record costs, and deposition costs — are typically advanced by the firm and reimbursed from the recovery. The specifics are set out in the fee agreement. We will explain all of this clearly before you sign anything.

Question 11

Should I give a recorded statement to the insurance company?

Accepted Answer

No — not before speaking with an attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions in ways that can be used to minimize or deny your claim. You are not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer. You may have a contractual obligation to cooperate with your own insurer, but even then, you have the right to have an attorney present. Contact us before giving any recorded statement.

Question 12

What if the at-fault driver had no insurance or not enough insurance?

Accepted Answer

This is where uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage becomes critical. If you have UM/UIM coverage on your own policy, you may be able to make a claim against your own insurer for the difference between what the at-fault driver's insurance covers and your actual damages. Mississippi law requires insurers to offer UM coverage, though policyholders can reject it in writing. If you are in this situation, contact us — UM/UIM claims have their own procedural requirements and deadlines, and insurers do not always handle them fairly.

Ready to Talk About Your Case?